Professional portrait of a man smiling, wearing glasses, a navy blue suit, a red tie, and a uniform pin on his lapel, against a mottled gray background. — Walter Price is running to replace Rep. Kevin Steele in HD 55. Credit: Campaign handout

One day after Republican Rep. Kevin Steele filed to run as Florida chief financial officer, a local fire captain on Wednesday became the first candidate to announce his bid to replace Steele in House District 55.

Walter Price hopes to succeed Steele in the Pasco district, according to a press release announcing his candidacy. He also announced the support of state Sen. Ed Hooper, the chamber’s appropriations chair, and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.

“As a firefighter and community servant, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our families face and the strength which makes Pasco County such a special place to live,” the Republican said in a statement. “I’m running for the Florida House to ensure our community’s voice is heard — to protect our families, strengthen public safety, and help small businesses thrive.”

Rep. Steele, whose term ends in 2026, announced Tuesday morning that he had filed to run for chief financial officer with the support of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. Steele is challenging incumbent CFO Blaise Ingoglia, a Spring Hill Republican appointed to the post in July by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The race could prove contentious, reinvigorating a 2015 clash between Ingoglia and Scott — by proxy — when Ingoglia defeated Scott’s choice for Republican Party of Florida chair. There’s speculation that Steele may be endorsed by President Donald Trump, although he told the Phoenix after a committee meeting Tuesday that he’ll “let the announcements speak for themselves.”

He didn’t clarify what announcements, nor from whom. Steele did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday on whether he’d back Price as his replacement.

Price, who filed to run this morning in the deep-red district, has served as a captain with Pasco County Fire Rescue for the past decade. He’s largely stayed out of the political sphere, although in 2012 he ran for Pasco County property appraiser.

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This article appears in Nov. 20 – 26, 2025.